UK: Developer Nautical Point Limited has applied for permission to redevelop the former Conway Civic Hall and library building into an aparthotel, food hall and performance space.
The plans for the Castle Street building include demolition work and alterations and extensions, but planning officers are recommending that the application is approved.
A separate planning application has been submitted to notify heritage guardians CADW as the Civic Hall is a grade-two listed building within the World Heritage Site of Conwy’s walled town. The building also includes the grade-one listed lower gate part of the town walls known as Porth Isaf.
Conwy councillor Sian Grady said : “Ideally, it would have been a community events space, but that was all decided long before I was in the council. We are where we are now, and this is a better design (than previous designs) that they’ve come up with now, so it’s got to be good. Parking is a worry, I know. But the building itself can’t stay empty any longer. It has been such an eyesore for such a long time. It needs dealing with now.”
The plans include the demolition of the existing concrete box structure at the back of the building, with first and second floor extensions to provide a 16-unit aparthotel. If granted, the ground floor will be an open area food hall consisting of stalls, eating area, and toilets, with a lobby entrance from Castle Street.
The remainder of the building will be mixed use with a food hall and flexibility for community use and as a performance venue. The plans include provision for a cycle store and services, together with a separate kiosk, an e-scooter charging point, and a refuse store area. Lifts and stairs will provide access to the upper floors whilst a separate entrance will provide access from the Lower High Street.
The first floor will feature 10 aparthotel rooms, plant room, and shared staircase whilst the second floor will feature six aparthotel rooms, each with a private balcony; plant room and shared staircase.
